By EMILY AGEE / RELIGION COLUMNIST

The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known. He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall. The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirreth up strifes but love covereth all sins. In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. Proverbs 10:3-14.

Thought for the week: Little Prayers

“As we pass a fellow man who is burdened low, we can say a little prayer for God to bless him so. And if we hear of someone’s need, though distant from our place, a little prayer upon our lips will not decease our pace. For little prayers are helpful when tasks won’t let us pause, but we can wish and pray in heart for others’ needs and cause. The prayers may just be simple as we seek life’s best for those who ache and suffer, we wish to see them blest. So let us fill some moments of every busy day with lots of special little prayers and send them on their way.”

Announcements:

United A.M.E. Church presents “An Evening in Paradise,” sponsored by the growth and development committee, at the Marbury High School cafeteria on Feb. 11, 2012, from 6-9 p.m. Dinner will be served and Valentine’s gifts available upon request. For more information, contact Kaila Sails at 205-217-2822 or LaToya Caver at 205-299-7454.

Worship service at the Holly Grove Baptist Church in Jemison began with praise service. The theme was “Sharing Blessing Be Encouraged To Make Committments of Faithfulness To God and To You.”

The morning message was given by Pastor Dukes. His theme: “Your Relationships With God Is More Important Than Anything Else.”

The loss that led to victory; there is victory in death through Christ. What have you lost for Christ?

Paul gave up a lot to follow Christ, it’s not by works; its by the spirit of God. You must let go of something to follow Christ.

What will your final score say, “I lost” or ‘“There is victory in Jesus?”

Paul was transformed after he lost his sight. He got it back after he trusted Christ.

He lost his proudness and high status —don’t struggle worrying about what people say, keep your eyes on Jesus.

Don’t strive to make folks happy. He gained knowledge of Christ, a personal relationship through faith. Jesus loves you and never will leave you. Do you take advantage of your relationship with him? Benediction by Pastor Dukes.

On our sick list this week we ask you to remember in your prayers: Jerry Wilson, Eliza Stewart, Sam and Vivian Hicks, Harold Frazier, Danny Frazier and Mary Ann. May God heal, strengthen and keep them in His care is our prayer.

—Emily Agee is a religion columnist for The Clanton Advertiser. Her column appears each Thursday.